Tuesday, December 30, 2025
ADVT 
National

O'Toole presses pipelines with U.S. envoy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Feb, 2021 06:14 PM
  • O'Toole presses pipelines with U.S. envoy

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole urged the acting American ambassador to Canada to tell Washington to preserve the Line 5 pipeline to the United States.

O'Toole told Katherine Brucker that he was disappointed by President Joe Biden's decision to cancel Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office last month.

O'Toole also said if the governor of Michigan follows through on plans to shut down Line 5 by May it would have a negative economic impact on both countries.

About 87 million litres of oil and natural gas liquids moves daily through Line 5 from Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ont., passing through parts of Michigan.

The U.S. embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the Wednesday conversation between Brucker and O'Toole.

But the Conservative leader's office released its own readout of the meeting.

"Mr. O'Toole raised his disappointment about the decision of the United States to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and made the case for why this project should continue, including the economic benefits for both countries," it said.

"He also raised the potential Line 5 pipeline cancellation and the tremendous economic blow this would cause both countries."

O'Toole also asked the U.S. to help secure more vaccines for Canadians.

"Mr. O'Toole spoke about the need for vaccines in order to secure jobs and turn the corner in the pandemic," the readout said.

A U.S. embassy spokeswoman said Brucker meets with "a wide range of Canadians from all sectors, including political leaders, to learn about their priorities and promote bilateral understanding" but it does not comment publicly on the details of those conversations.

But recent moves by Biden make it unlikely that Canada will receive any extra vaccine doses made in the United States

Biden invoked the Defence Production Act, after former president Donald Trump did the same last year to push for faster production of personal protective equipment and vaccines. Biden did not specifically mention exports, but he has promised to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office.

O'Toole also registered his opposition to American tariffs on softwood lumber and the Buy American policies that the Biden administration is also following after Trump.

"They also spoke about the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to both the United States and Canada. Mr. O'Toole raised the issue of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor who are currently being held hostage, and thanked the United States for their willingness to assist in securing their release," said the readout.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey RCMP say recent shooting in the city linked to gang conflict

Surrey RCMP say recent shooting in the city linked to gang conflict
Police are investigating a shooting last night in the 12900 block of 65A Avenue. Indications are that this is a targeted incident related to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

Surrey RCMP say recent shooting in the city linked to gang conflict

Suspects charged in the Assault of an Abbotsford Police Officer on Sept 11,2020

Suspects charged in the Assault of an Abbotsford Police Officer on Sept 11,2020
The suspects have been identified as Andrew Edmunds and John Moon. Both Moon and Edmunds have been charged with Theft, Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence, and Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon.

Suspects charged in the Assault of an Abbotsford Police Officer on Sept 11,2020

Continued confidence in Surrey’s residential building sector

Continued confidence in Surrey’s residential building sector
Projects of note include several apartment towers ranging from 26 to 49-storeys, three dedicated rental apartment buildings, and a live/work residential townhome project.

Continued confidence in Surrey’s residential building sector

No plans to cut military spending: Sajjan

No plans to cut military spending: Sajjan
The fears are based on past feel: the Canadian Armed Forces was previously hit by deep cuts when Ottawa struggled to balance the books in both the 1990s and early 2010s.

No plans to cut military spending: Sajjan

Kenney remains hopeful for cross-Canada oil pipeline

Kenney remains hopeful for cross-Canada oil pipeline
Jason Kenney said Tuesday that the proposed cross-Canada oil pipeline isn't being considered because the federal Liberal government helped to kill it in 2017.

Kenney remains hopeful for cross-Canada oil pipeline

U.S. stands down on aluminum tariff dispute

U.S. stands down on aluminum tariff dispute
The news came as Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and International Trade Minister Mary Ng prepared to unveil a list of U.S. aluminum products and manufactured goods Canada had singled out for reciprocal treatment later Tuesday.

U.S. stands down on aluminum tariff dispute